Troop 770 Awards Eagle Scout Rank To Four Scouts

By Nancy K. Crevier

Only two percent of Boy Scouts nationwide attain the highest honor of Eagle Scout, a unique enough aspect in and of itself. But two of the four scouts from Newtown Troop 770 who were awarded the rank of Eagle Scout in a solemn ceremony held Monday, June 6, in St Rose Church, added a little twist to their achievements.

Kevin Pheasey, Daniel Kirk, Gregory Golino, and Shane Blomberg grew up together in Troop 770, and made it their goal to achieve Eagle rank together. In addition to more than 18 various merit badges obtained by each of them throughout their scouting years, the boys completed their Eagle requirements by earning emergency preparedness and swimming merit badges.

By 2004, they were well on their way to receiving the tribute of Eagle Scout. All of the boys were nearing completion of their service projects, an Eagle Scout requirement of huge proportion. Kevin had undertaken and completed repairs and renovations to the Dorothy Day Center in Danbury, Greg had constructed wooden benches for the St Rose soccer field, and Shane had built two new outhouses at Cullen Memorial Campground on Taunton Lake Road. Dan had installed a landscaping project in front of the St Rose parish center, including a cement sidewalk and plantings.

Then, in the summer of 2004, the Pheasey family was transferred to Hong Kong, breaking up the foursome. So close to finishing his requirements, Kevin did not let a little thing like a move across the world hold him up. The day before his family boarded the plane to Hong Kong, troop leaders signed off on his final requirements, and in Hong Kong last November, Kevin faced the Board of Review, made up of scout leaders and board members, as the final step to completing the Eagle Scout badge.

The Eagle Scout induction ceremony is an occasion to share with family and friends who have supported a scout through his long journey, and Kevin wanted to share it with the young men and leaders who had supported him. Troop 770 leader Larry Gardner agreed to hold off on the induction ceremony honoring Dan, Shane, and Greg, who had completed the requirements for Eagle Scout stateside, until Kevin and the Pheasey family could join them in June.

While Kevin was winding up his Eagle requirements in Hong Kong, Dan Kirk had decided to attend the Merchant Marine Academy after graduation from Fairfield Preparatory School, which requires a nomination from a member of Congress. Dan appealed to Congresswoman Nancy Johnson, and after an intense application and interview process, was selected by the congresswoman as a nominee.

Her pride in having Dan, one of her nominees, accepted to the Merchant Marine Academy as he completed his Eagle Scout obligations culminated in her personal appearance and speech at the June 6 Eagle Scout induction ceremony. Speaking to the young men at the service, Ms Johnson emphasized the importance of the Boy Scout oath.

“On my honor tells you that you know in your heart what is true,” said Ms Johnson. “You know how hard you tried. Nothing is more exciting than feeling that power.”

She went on to congratulate Shane, Greg, Dan, and Kevin for “having dedicated yourselves to trying your hardest. Leadership,” she said, “takes courage.”

Father Robert Weiss of St Rose, and Superintendent of Schools Evan Pitkoff also offered their congratulations in speeches that praised the accomplishments and hard work of the four scouts.

In addition, troop leaders Larry Gardner and Deb Kaaza read proclamations of congratulations received from Governor M. Jodi Rell, Senator Joseph Lieberman, Senator Christopher Dodd, First Selectman Herb Rosenthal, and other notables.

Then Kevin packed his bags for Hong Kong, Dan began final preparations for the Merchant Marine, and Shane and Greg made plans for their new roles as Eagle Scouts.